I need some advise on schools

I have been into photography for a long time and have done freelance photogaphy

for a while as well. Im looking to make it my career, but dont really know where

to start. I would like to go to school but dont know what a good way to go about

it would be. Ive looked into some art schools but They all seem very expensive,

an Im not sure if they are really worth the money. Im also not sure if I would

get the same education from a community college either. The last thing I was

wondering about is when comming out of school, will it be hard to find a job

that makes something, or will most companies want experience over a degree?

Have you thought about doing something cheaper, and doing New York Institute of Photography course? That way you wouldn't have to dedicate your stuff totally to school, and you it won't cost a mint. I was referred by two people that took the course, and I have just started it not too long ago. They also do alot with setting up a business and selling your photography.

My personal thought if I am looking for a photographer, I could care less if you have a degree on your wall, I care about your photography. On the other hand, if you are a doctor.....I care that you have a degree! :)

I already have some jobs without ever trying to market my photography, but I make sure that everybody I know sees my pictures.

I have heard various things about community college courses, most of it not good unfortunately. Usually they are very basic courses, and since you are already in photography, you could probably teach the class.

Most professional photographers are either self-taught, former apprentices, or went to one of a handful of colleges. If you don't have a bachelor's degree and want to be a professional photographer, you'd probably find that Brooks or Rochester Institute of Technology was a good value.

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) has many great photography programs. You get a bachelors degree, which is a huge plus if you ever decide to teach photography, or leave photography. Most companies want people with at least a bachelors degree. The loans you can defer until you get out of college, and slowly pay back. This is a highly competitive business, and a serious business, the degree can add to the great pictures you take, which is one advantage. Plus you'll learn about the many different business aspects within photography, AND get to learn to use any and all different types of cameras, printers, computers and software from the school cage (RIT has a cage where students can check out equiment - so no worry even if you dont own a camera)Now that's a huge advantage! There is also a co op program at RIT where you can assist some pretty high end photographers, something difficult to do off the street. Youll also have an edge in finding work after school too, the network is large and well respected. Pretty pictures are nice, but this is a business, and any advantage you can get will help you.

<p>Tuition, room, and board at RIT is presently quoted at $33,759 per year for

full time undergraduate. Photography students must also own a considerable

amount of equipment. To get out of there with a degree either BS or BFA is about

$120,000 to $150,000. A link to the RIT tuition information is below:</p>

<p>

<a href="http://finweb.rit.edu/sfs/billing/tuitionandfees/0607/undergraduate/fulltime.html">

http://finweb.rit.edu/sfs/billing/tuitionandfees/0607/undergraduate/fulltime.html</a>

</p>

<p>Brooks Institute of Photography has been in trouble with the law concerning

misrepresentation of employment potential and opportunities. Brooks is a for

profit  trade school owned by a company called CEC. There has been

considerable litigation against that company.</p>

<p>

<a href="http://www.epi.elps.vt.edu/Perspectives/ProprietarySchoolsReport.pdf">

http://www.epi.elps.vt.edu/Perspectives/ProprietarySchoolsReport.pdf</a> </p>